The Honourable Pat Binns, Premier of Prince Edward Island and the Honourable Jeffrey E. Lantz, Minister of Education officially launched the Premier's Millennium Medallion for students in Grades 1 and 12 earlier today at Parkside Elementary School in Summerside.
The Premier explained that each student in these grades will receive a keepsake medallion recognizing the new century.
"Students in Grade 1 have the unique distinction of being the last class to begin their public education in the 20th Century," said the Premier. "The graduating class of 2000 is the first graduating class of the 21st Century. The Province of Prince Edward Island believes these are important milestones that should be publicly recognized."
The medallions are a gold coloured, two-inch coin encrested with the provincial crest, the Premier's signature and the year 2000.
"It is fitting to recognize those students who bridge two centuries on these special occasions," said Minister Lantz. "They are the future of the province. The transition to the new century was an important milestone in the history of the province, the country, the world and their lives. We hope that these coins will instill a sense of pride in our students and they'll fondly remember the year 2000 and the hopes and dreams they now have for their futures."
Lorna Champion, principal at Parkside Elementary School, said her Grade 1 students were thrilled to be selected as the first class to receive the medallions.
"Parkside Elementary holds a special place in the history of public education on Prince Edward Island," said Champion. "Our school is the oldest education structure now operating in the 1-12 system on the Island. Our students will remember this milestone for the rest of their lives."
In total, approximately 1,900 Grade 1 students and 2,000 Grade 12 graduates will receive this commemorative medallion before the end of the school year.